Staff Reports
Living Historians to descend on Jefferson for the 25th annual Battle for Jefferson set for May 2-4!
The Historic Jefferson Foundation, in partnership with Cypress River Ranch, local stakeholders and the Trans-Mississippi Volunteer Infantry, is pleased to present the 25th annual “Battle for Jefferson” Civil War Re-enactment, May 2-4, 2025!
Period encampments will again transform Jefferson’s Historic Riverfront District and surrounding neighborhoods during the Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club’s 78th Annual Pilgrimage and Tour of Homes.
The weekend kicks off on May 2 as camps emerge and sutlers begin selling their wares on Polk Street. Re-enactors and spectators may register or purchase event tickets at headquarters located in The Jeffersonian Institute at 120 East Austin Street.
The first event starts at 9a with a living history featuring military and civilian re-enactors who will educate area students on various aspects of the Civil War and life during the 19th century.
At 7:30p, take a twilight stroll through the historic Oakwood Cemetery to visit the graves of Union and Confederate troops illumined by candlelit luminaries. This moving commemoration pays homage to the men who fought during the war and died during Jefferson’s Reconstruction period.
On May 3, gunfire will ring out in the streets of Jefferson during the town skirmish following the Pilgrimage Parade at 10a. In this “what if” scenario, Union General Nathaniel P. Banks and his men will take the Bayou City and declare martial law.
Following the parade and town skirmish, the Pleasant Hill Quilters of Linden, on the “Secret Codes of the Underground Railroad.” At this engaging event, visitors will learn about the incredible struggle of enslaved people’s journey to freedom through stories, quilts, and songs.
The thunder of cannons will roll down the Big Cypress at 4p as the 1st Battle for Jefferson commences at nearby Cypress River Ranch. This event depicts a full-scale battle featuring infantry, artillery, and cavalry maneuvers. The visitor experience is sure to be enhanced by the use of pyrotechnics and a radio play-by-play from Civil War historians.
Bugles and church bells will be heard on the morning of May 4 as re-enactors and visitors assemble to attend a period church service Cumberland Presbyterian Church at 9. Pastor James Wedgeworth of Terry’s TX Rangers will lead worship and deliver the sermon. Period hymns will be played on the church’s original Mason & Hamlin organ.
At 10a, re-enactors portraying Duke’s Company of the Jefferson Guards will form up for the “Presentation of Colors” in front of Christ Episcopal Church. This is an actual re-enactment of Fannie Benners and the women of Christ Church giving a flag to the Jefferson Guards before they went to war. The presentation features the roll call of the troops, presentation, period music, and a reception following the ceremony.
The event concludes with a final, action-packed battle at Cypress River Ranch at 1:30 pm.
For more information and to purchase advance tickets, please visit www.battleforjefferson.com.
There will also be downtown street closures following the parade.